A Hazy Journey Through Memory and Longing
Matt Champion, known for his contributions to the hip-hop collective Brockhampton, ventures into a more introspective and psychedelic soundscape with "SPJ." The track immediately immerses the listener in a hazy atmosphere, driven by a mesmerizing bassline laced with a phaser effect. This foundation perfectly complements Champion's vocals, which are processed with a similar effect, creating a sense of dreamlike detachment. His delivery fluctuates between spoken-word musings and melodic refrains, showcasing his versatility as a vocalist. This dynamic contrast keeps the listener engaged while reinforcing the track's exploration of conflicting emotions.
Drowning in Thought
Lyrically, "SPJ" delves into themes of longing, memory, and the struggle to escape one's thoughts. Champion's verses paint a picture of internal turmoil, with vivid imagery like "colors flying from left and right" and "walls caving in." The repetition of the line "You can't erase your mind every time" in the chorus emphasizes the cyclical nature of these internal battles. The bridge, featuring a sampled female voice, adds another layer of complexity, hinting at a relationship that contributes to the narrator's mental state.
Sonic Tapestry of Emotion
The production on "SPJ" is a highlight, seamlessly blending elements of lo-fi hip-hop, psychedelia, and electronica. The use of distorted textures, swirling synths, and glitched vocal samples creates a captivating sonic experience that enhances the introspective nature of the lyrics. Champion's vocals are expertly mixed, allowing his nuanced delivery to shine through. The track's overall atmosphere is both melancholic and hopeful, reflecting the struggle to overcome internal challenges while acknowledging the possibility of growth.
A Testament to Artistic Evolution
"SPJ" stands as a testament to Champion's artistic evolution. While his work with Brockhampton showcased his ability to contribute to a collective sound, this solo effort allows him to explore his individuality and vulnerability. The track's experimental production and introspective lyrics demonstrate a willingness to push boundaries and challenge expectations. "SPJ" is a compelling addition to Champion's discography, offering a glimpse into his personal journey and artistic growth.
A Promising Solo Path
Following the release of "Faye" and "Hacker," "SPJ" further solidifies Champion's potential as a solo artist. Each track has offered a unique sonic and lyrical experience, showcasing his versatility and willingness to experiment. It will be exciting to see how he continues to develop his sound and explore new creative avenues in his future work. "SPJ" is a captivating and introspective piece that leaves a lasting impression, confirming Matt Champion as an artist to watch in the evolving landscape of alternative hip-hop.
Listen to Matt Champion SPJ
Matt Champion SPJ Lyrics Meaning Explained
The meaning of "SPJ" by Matt Champion is a multifaceted exploration of memory, longing, and internal struggle. Through vivid imagery and introspective lyrics, Champion delves into the complexities of navigating challenging experiences and grappling with intrusive thoughts and emotions. The song touches upon themes of change and vulnerability, as hinted at in the opening lines about a journey west. It also explores the difficulties of communication and the feeling of disconnect in a strained relationship. The recurring motif of "colors" throughout the song suggests a vibrant internal world, filled with both beauty and chaos. Ultimately, "SPJ" is a testament to the human experience of facing inner turmoil and striving for growth and understanding, even when faced with overwhelming emotions and the weight of the past.
A Journey West and Observations from Afar
"SPJ" opens with a sense of intrigue and anticipation. "I heard a beacon calling from out west / Make sure you're decent, unexpected guest" suggests a journey or a pull towards something new, symbolized by the "west." The speaker seems to be preparing for this change, reminded to be presentable, perhaps hinting at vulnerability or a desire to make a good impression. This is followed by a sense of observation and detachment: "I peel back the blinds and check out to the field / They falling over like rolls in the hill." This imagery evokes a feeling of distance, with the "falling" figures potentially representing people succumbing to life's challenges while the speaker remains an observer. This detachment is further emphasized with lines like "And I'm just seeing photos / I'm seeing something like a heatwave in the back," suggesting a distorted perception and the presence of intense emotions or memories symbolized by the "heatwave." The verse concludes with an intriguing observation of another person: "Heard you like colors that I ain't controlled in my brain yet / It's so interesting when you try to memorize / Words just comin' out your mouth." This hints at a fascination with this person's unique perspective and the way they express themselves, with the "colors" possibly representing emotions or thoughts the speaker hasn't yet experienced.
The Impossibility of Erasing the Mind
The chorus provides the central theme of the song, focusing on the struggle with intrusive thoughts or difficult memories: "You can't erase your mind every time / If it was that easy, wouldn't everybody do it? / It's a pain, I know / So I'll try again, try again." This highlights the impossibility of simply erasing the past and acknowledges the pain associated with it, but also expresses a determination to persevere and move forward.
Breakdown in Communication and Overwhelming Chaos
The second verse delves into a strained relationship where communication has broken down. "It's like you don't want nothing, it's like you—, uh / It's like you can't even ask me for anything anymore" expresses frustration and a feeling of helplessness in the face of this disconnect. This is further emphasized with "It's like, I could read it out just like it's scripted or scheduled out for me / I don't know what you're saying anymore," suggesting that the other person's actions and words lack genuine meaning. The feeling of being overwhelmed and surrounded by chaos is conveyed through lines like "I see the walls caving in / And I see them colors flying from left and right." The "walls caving in" could represent a loss of security, and the "colors" might signify a flood of emotions or thoughts. The verse ends with a desire to escape and prove oneself: "Hundred rack, hundred five, I'mma run a mile / I'mma show 'em fair, I'mma show 'em how."
Longing and Absence
The pre-chorus highlights conflicting feelings of longing and absence: "I want you there / It's obvious you're not / Somehow, somewhere / It's obvious you are." The speaker desires the presence of the person they're addressing, but acknowledges their absence while simultaneously sensing their presence in their thoughts or memories.
Retreating Inward
Finally, the repetitive bridge, "It's just for me (Hahaha), it's just for me...," emphasizes a sense of self-focus and a need for personal space or introspection. The laughter and questioning could represent internal conflict or a struggle to understand their own emotions. This reinforces the overall theme of grappling with internal struggles and navigating challenging experiences.
Matt Champion SPJ Lyrics
[Verse 1]
I heard a beacon calling from out west
Make sure you're decent, unexpected guest
I peel back the blinds and check out to the field
They falling over like rolls in the hill
And I'm just seeing photos
I'm seeing something like a heatwave in the back
Heard you like colors that I ain't controlled in my brain yet
It's so interesting when you try to memorize
Words just comin' out your mouth
[Chorus]
You can't erase your mind every time
If it was that easy, wouldn't everybody do it?
It's a pain, I know
So I'll try again, try again
[Verse 2]
It's likе you don't want nothing, it's like you—, uh
It's like you can't evеn ask me for anything anymore
It's like, I could read it out just like it's scripted or scheduled out for me
I don't know what you're saying anymore
I see the walls caving in
And I see them colors flying from left and right
Hundred rack, hundred five, I'mma run a mile
I'mma show 'em fair, I'mma show 'em how
[Pre-Chorus]
I want you there
It's obvious you're not
Somehow, somewhere
It's obvious you are
[Chorus]
You can't erase your mind every time
If it was that easy, wouldn't everybody do it?
It's a pain, I know
So I'll try again, try again
[Bridge]
It's just for me (Hahaha), it's just for me
It's just for me (What?), it's just for me
It's just for me (What? Um, hahaha), it's just for me
(Clinging on the [?] to the skin)
It's just for me (What?), it's just for me
It's just for me, it's just for me (It's not night)
It's just for me, it's just for me
It's just for me, it's just for me (What? Um)
It's just for me (Hahaha), it's just for me (What?)
[Pre-Chorus]
I want you there (It's just for me)
It's obvious you're not (It's just for me)
Somehow, somewhere (It's just for me)
It's obvious you are (It's just for me, it's just for me)
[Chorus]
You can't erase your mind every time
If it was that easy, wouldn't everybody do it?
It's a pain, I know
So I'll try again, try again, for me
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